Government IT 08: Delivering 21st Century Transformational Government The future of government, data security, transformation and excellent networking opportunities all on show at Government IT 08.

This year.s Government IT conference took place at London.s QEII, with a high-profile ensemble on hand to share their views and answer questions to a packed auditorium. The government.s chief information officer John Suffolk delivered the first keynote speech, reminding the expectant audience that ICT is .the lifeblood. of modern government, with Sir David Varney and other luminaries having set out a roadmap for future improvements. The transformation agenda has the potential to completely change the way the government does business, from front-end services to back-office functions, Suffolk claimed.

His fellow morning speakers were well placed to provide a real, case study-based insight, to add to Suffolk.s views. Martin Bellamy, group applications director at the Department for Work and Pensions, along with Department for Transport director of shared services Debbie Ellis, showed how the principles behind transformation are applied in a real-world, functioning environment to create positive .business outcomes.. Kevin Jones, representing EDS, DWP's lead partner in transformation, provided some insights gained both from the UK government arena and from the global marketplace on successful large-scale transformation offering some pointers on how public sector organisations can get the best from their IT partners.

However, it was the questions and answers section which attracted the most interest, with the assembled experts all admitting that there is no way the public.s personal data can ever be 100% safeguarded . human error and malice are always a threat. Although Bellamy was keen to state that the digitisation of information offers far greater security than was previously available.

Punctuating the plenary sessions were seminars at which the private sector exhibitors were able to attract decision makers and buyers to view their solutions, and the benefits they can confer. Presentations were offered by Arqiva, Sun Microsystems and ukngroup, SunGuard, VMware UK, Xerox, and Avocent.

In the afternoon, Gwyn Thomas shared the methods that have made Wales. Informing Healthcare such a success, which included setting one rule to programme event attendees - .you must improve. if you are to contribute to the movement. Meanwhile Manchester City Council member Neil Swannick drove the green agenda forward by discussing .ways that digital inclusion can foster sustainability.. He also stated .green benefits drive immediate financial benefits. - something no doubt of interest to those present with half an eye on the Government IT Goes Green event, to be held at the same venue on September 16th.

The day was ended by new competitiveness minister Baroness Shriti Vadera, stepping into the breech vacated by former incumbent Stephen Timms. The importance of collaboration between public and private sector was one of her main arguments, claiming that .IT and communication is at the heart of the competitive advantage.. .The balance of power is shifting to the consumer... we need to make sure we remain successful for the next generation..

Comments from the exhibitors confirmed that the day had been an excellent opportunity for them, with Sophie Dazin of Autonomy calling it .perfect., and Rullion Solutions. officials stating .having our stand beside the internet café and slightly apart from the rest of the exhibitors has worked incredibly well.. Nick Stanton and Chris Gates of Xerox UK added: .We have had lots of interest, particularly from the seminar.. Michaela Davies, of EDS, a major sponsor of the event, and exhibitor commented: "It was a very well run event that we were delighted to support. The topics were right on the button and we were proud to stand alongside our government colleagues during this enjoyable and informative day."